Aristophanes Lysistrata (Literature Essay Sample)

The Lysistrata play which was written by Aristophanes is a comical account of a mission which a woman embarked on in order to bring to an end the Peloponnesian war. Lysistrata is able to convince all women to deny their husbands the sexual privileges as a way of bring men to some negotiating grounds in pursuit of peace. However, the move brings about a battle between the two sides. The play generally is not set in a way of promoting universal but its set to provide a plea that targets at addressing the pressing issues that faced married women and young girls.

Men and women relations are typical in various ways: Lysistrata calls for a meeting with all the women in Greece and other surrounding places. But this is countered with delay in the time of arrival; this can be implied that the women delayed in attending this meeting since they were possibly attending to their husbands.

During the meeting which being addressed by Lysistrata, she tries to explain that there is no need for the ensuing war. Consequently all men shout in uniformity 'security' meaning that they need war for to enhance security. Lystrata tells them that they (women) will protect men. Her word stirs up anger among the men particularly the Magistrate as they are strongly opposed to this and almost skirmishes follow. This shows how much it was believed men are the ones to be security conscious and not women for that matter.

Onwards, the Magistrate demands to know why Lysistrata thinks that women can meddle with matters about war and peace. The question is asked in a threatening mood. Lysistrata tells him to shut and behave. This consequently infuriates him. The women uniformly threaten back and they even suggest dumping water on him. The magistrate yells back telling them to shut as they all speak Lysistrata. This scene shows how men and women use vulgar language against each other with no due respect to one another

As per this play, sometimes men go astray in making decisions about matters concerning security. Fortunately, women come in to give advice pertaining to the same. The men and their ego ignore the given advice which may be would have solved an imminent danger. It is therefore evident that women always act as men's helpers.